Monthly Archives: April 2015

I mentioned in my previous post that a beautiful person in my life, my Mom, was recently diagnosed with aggressive stage three breast cancer. While I’m not going to give very much attention on here to this topic [because cancer sucks and doesn’t even deserve the single mention I just gave it] I do want to honor my Mom. In fact, this honoring is going to continue well into May and Mother’s Day. So Mom, sorry but you’ll just have to deal with the attention.

Things have not been easy these last several months for our family. When one member is hurting, the entire family unit hurts. But true to our nature we try to heal the hurt with humor.

It all began with a head shaving party lead by her son-in-law, Mr. Pavlov.

Dear Lord what am I doing?!? Remember, I’ve been a good Mother-in-law….

OY VEY! Deep breaths….

Serious work

Offering support. Don’t worry Mimi, that ear will grow back besides, you have two.

The incredibly happy look and large smile worn by Mr. Pavlov is concerning.

So who knew that there’s this whole show-your-support-and-shave-your-non-cancer-head thing that people do? My daughter and I, who are descendants of Rapunzel (I’m convinced of this fact) began to get twitchy over the nobel notion. Just as we were about to make the huge sacrifice of losing an inch or two (I mean an entire inch…that counts for something!) these beautiful people decided to go full blown commando shaven.

These two are pretty super and just incase you didn’t know…this is actually the real Superman.

Two strong women

It seems certain members of our tribe have developed a fondness for her numerous wigs. With each new wig comes the “ooooo” and “Ahhhh” and of course the mandatory sampling of the goods. Test driving the wig starts by yanking it off of her cute, bald head, running to the nearest mirror and usually ends in front of a camera phone. Yes, we are deplorable and social media rules.

Sometimes you gotta strike a pose, vogue and steal your Mimi’s wig

The wig knows no gender….

And when she finally lost her eyebrows we, of very-little-eyebrow-drawing-on- experience, were there to hook her up with brows. Hey, that’s what family is for right?

She’s very trusting….wonder if she prefers The Joker or Spock?

Life has a way of throwing surprise parties and when it does you want to surround yourself with people who really know you and will support you. People who not only say, “I’m here for you during the good, the bad, the ugly” but also who back up their talk (which can be so meaningless) with hard core action.

My dad is the Arnold Schwarzenegger of action. He has been like a mother hen caring for his chick during this nasty ordeal. Anyone who knows my Mom quickly realizes that he has his work cut out for him. The “chick” is strong, determined and independent. Rest or taking it easy is not something that comes naturally to her. She created the term “burning the candle at both ends” and goes until she can go no more.

Yet another Chemo day and Dad is never far away.

Valentine’s Day is not ruined by Chemo day and fatigue thanks to Dad.

And when she finally crashes, he is there as he said he would be. These are the people you want in your corner when the battle rages.

Talk is cheap. Words are just words unless they are backed up. Sadly, people disappoint. I’ve had my share of disappointments recently and it is the sucky behavior people throw at you that causes you to truly appreciate and value the good eggs in your life.